Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 140767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
She flashes a knowing grin and digs in her purse for only a moment before coming out with a deck of cards.
My responding smile is nearly overbearing.
Back in the day, Maria and I never went anywhere without a deck of cards. We made many a bet and played many a game with each other with just a deck of cards when we dated in high school.
“How about an old-fashioned game of War?” she questions with a wink. “If you’ll recall, it’s excellent for passing time, and I always find a way to beat your ass.”
“I cannot believe you still have a deck with you.”
“Believe it or not, Remington Winslow, time, though powerful, doesn’t always change everything.”
She’s right about that. Because time—as I’m finding out—well, it’s maintained all the best parts of Maria Baros.
An hour and a half later, I pull Maria to my body and listen as firefighters pry at the doors from the other side. It takes them a minute or so to get the pressure to release, but when the doors finally open, I exhale the huge breath I didn’t even know I was holding.
Thank fuck.
Because of where the elevator rocked to a stop, there’s a small step up to climb out. Immediately, I usher Maria forward first, gently spotting her from behind, my hands gripping her hips, as she climbs out with the help of the two firefighters in front of us.
And I only look at her perfectly rounded ass once the whole time, which I’m counting as a victory for now.
Once she’s cleared the doors, I follow her lead and make a jump up the couple of feet to the floor outside and smile. Finally. We’re free.
I’m not exactly claustrophobic, but I’m not exactly not that either. Let’s just say I do better in open spaces. Thankfully, the pregnant woman—an obvious choice to worry about more than myself—served as an excellent distraction.
Once we’re both standing outside the elevator cart, still surrounded by firefighters, Ty spots us immediately.
“Holy shit, Maria?” he questions, looking at the blast from the past with wide eyes.
Grabbing Rachel’s hand, he drags her over the distance between us, practically shoving the firefighters out of the way. They’re pretty big and burly, though, and they don’t budge as easily as my cocky brother expected. Everyone but Ty smiles as he settles for politely working around them.
“You guys okay?” one of the firefighters asks, grinning from his unmoved spot. I clap him on the back gratefully. I know it’s his job to rescue people, but with the size of this blackout, I’m sure he’s been slaving away all day.
“Yeah, man. Thanks for saving our asses.”
“Hi, Ty,” Maria greets, every ounce of what she’s been through the last couple hours disappearing and giving way to her familiar friendly demeanor.
Ty looks at me and smiles. “Talk about a small world, bro.”
I grin. “Tell me about it.”
“Rachel, this is Maria. Maria, this is my Rachel,” Ty introduces the ladies. Maria and Rachel shake hands immediately.
“Nice to meet you.”
“I’m an old friend of this guy right here,” Maria explains and nudges my side playfully. “From way back in our high school days. Though, it’s been quite a few years since we’ve seen each other.”
“Wow,” Rachel remarks, surprised. “And you just so happened to get stuck in an elevator together?”
Maria doesn’t even try to suppress her burst of laughter. “Yeah. What are the odds, huh?”
“It’s good to see you.” Ty steps forward to give Maria a hug and then turns to face me directly. “So?” he asks, so obviously eager for me to hand over the ring it’s hilarious. He’s g-o-n-e gone for this girl.
I discreetly slip it out of the front pocket of my backpack and hand it to him.
“Thanks, man,” Ty says quietly, shoving the ring into his pocket as quickly as he can manage.
He’s not as sly as he thinks, though, and Rachel’s radar pings immediately.
“What is that?” she asks, suspicious.
“I’ll show you in a bit,” Ty responds, keeping his cool as he pulls Rachel to his chest and affectionately squeezes her shoulders.
“Okay. Well, then. It was good to see you two. Glad you’re both okay. And now, if you don’t mind, Rachel and I have something we need to attend to.”
“Ty!” Rachel slaps at him over his perceived rudeness, but both Maria and I smile. We know what’s coming, and we’re not offended in the slightest.
“What?”
“Your brother and Maria were just stuck in an elevator for two freaking hours,” Rachel scolds. “Don’t you think we should invite them up for a bit?” Rachel looks at us imploringly. “Come upstairs so we can get you some water and food and whatever else you need.”
“No, it’s okay,” I refute with a gentle smile. “We’re going to head out, actually.”
I’ve done my job, and Maria could use some fresh air. I know from experience that the last thing she needs to deal with right away is Mrs. Patricia Clemmons.